Psychological distress and negative impact of COVID-19-barriers and perceived need for mental health services prior to and during the pandemic

Location

Online - Session 4E

Start Date

4-21-2021 2:30 PM

Major Field of Study

Psychology

Second Major

Communication and Media Studies

Student Type

Adult Degree Completion

Faculty Mentor(s)

Veronica Fruiht, Phd

Presentation Format

Poster Presentation

Abstract/Description

COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Within one month the WHO (World Health Organization, 2020) declared the novel COVID-19 strain a “public health emergency of international concern” (Rettie & Daniels, 2020) and a pandemic. This global health crisis has caused further psychological distress about the future. COVID -19 has become a growing issue for mental health, putting a strain on our already struggling system especially for the vulnerable and high-risk who have more barriers when seeking mental health treatment (Fitzpatrick, 2020). This problem is elevated among people living in poverty or in communities with scarce resources, crime, drug accessibility, unemployment or financial insecurities. This study included a sample of approximately 30 participants who were recruited from classes at a private university in northern California, and through various social media outlets. Participants completed a survey including the COVID-19 Stress Measure (Ellis, 2020), the Kessler Psychological Distress (Donker, 2010), Barriers to Care Checklist (Vanheusden, 2008), and the Perceived Need to Seek Mental Health Services questionnaire designed by the researcher for this specific study. Demographic questions were also included. Results are expected to support the current trend that people have more psychological distress now than before COVID-19. Results are also expected to demonstrate that barriers to seeking mental health treatment will have a negative impact on overall mental health. This research is especially important due to increased barriers for the vulnerable and high-risk population seeking mental health treatment as a result of COVID-19. Increased attention is needed to prevent stigma associated with COVID-19 that could undermine disease control efforts, worsen mental health outcomes, and exacerbate disparities (Lui, 2020).

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Apr 21st, 2:30 PM

Psychological distress and negative impact of COVID-19-barriers and perceived need for mental health services prior to and during the pandemic

Online - Session 4E

COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Within one month the WHO (World Health Organization, 2020) declared the novel COVID-19 strain a “public health emergency of international concern” (Rettie & Daniels, 2020) and a pandemic. This global health crisis has caused further psychological distress about the future. COVID -19 has become a growing issue for mental health, putting a strain on our already struggling system especially for the vulnerable and high-risk who have more barriers when seeking mental health treatment (Fitzpatrick, 2020). This problem is elevated among people living in poverty or in communities with scarce resources, crime, drug accessibility, unemployment or financial insecurities. This study included a sample of approximately 30 participants who were recruited from classes at a private university in northern California, and through various social media outlets. Participants completed a survey including the COVID-19 Stress Measure (Ellis, 2020), the Kessler Psychological Distress (Donker, 2010), Barriers to Care Checklist (Vanheusden, 2008), and the Perceived Need to Seek Mental Health Services questionnaire designed by the researcher for this specific study. Demographic questions were also included. Results are expected to support the current trend that people have more psychological distress now than before COVID-19. Results are also expected to demonstrate that barriers to seeking mental health treatment will have a negative impact on overall mental health. This research is especially important due to increased barriers for the vulnerable and high-risk population seeking mental health treatment as a result of COVID-19. Increased attention is needed to prevent stigma associated with COVID-19 that could undermine disease control efforts, worsen mental health outcomes, and exacerbate disparities (Lui, 2020).